By: Capmad

The Senegalese mining sector is prioritizing the rapid development of local skills to align with increased investment, meet youth employment demands, and support the new government's focus on economic sovereignty. Under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, strategic reforms are being implemented, including a new Mining Code, the creation of a national gold trading post, and the establishment of a mining industrial hub for local phosphate processing. These measures aim to ensure greater value addition, transparency, and fairer distribution of mining revenues within the country.

A strong appetite for mining careers is evident among young graduates, leading to high competition for technical positions. In response, the government and educational institutions are focusing on aligning training programs with industry needs, supported by a specific local content law designed to develop national capabilities across the entire mining value chain. However, companies face the dual challenge of attracting and retaining talent amid regional competition for skilled professionals.

The overarching strategy seeks to move beyond raw material exports by fostering local processing industries, strengthening the national industrial fabric, and ultimately asserting greater sovereign control over the sector's governance and economic benefits.